I'm going to say the quiet part out loud . . . Elsie Silver peaked with Heartless ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I don't think this book knew what it wanted ***3.5 Stars***
I'm going to say the quiet part out loud . . . Elsie Silver peaked with Heartless ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I don't think this book knew what it wanted to be because so many plot points were flimsy and underdeveloped, but it was a quick and entertaining read so I'll give it that. ...more
I'm a little torn, but I think 4 stars seems like the best place to ultimately land since I did enjoy the finale and the series overall. ***4 Stars***
I'm a little torn, but I think 4 stars seems like the best place to ultimately land since I did enjoy the finale and the series overall.
I think the reason I feel so conflicted is because books 1-3 feel like one story and books 4-6 another. If this had been two separate trilogies, I'm not really sure I would have picked up books 4-6.
BUT, I'm so glad I read this series and met these characters. It's been quite the ride and I absolutely loved watching Auren grow and become a bit of a badass....more
"In cooking, you can swap out one ingredient for another. Sometimes it doesn't change much, like oil for eggs in a cake. Sometime
***4 Stars***
"In cooking, you can swap out one ingredient for another. Sometimes it doesn't change much, like oil for eggs in a cake. Sometimes it changes everything, like salt for sugar. The way I feel about you? It's not like a recipe. I don't want to swap out your moodiness for a smile, or your temper for a laugh. It's like...alchemy or something. The way people come together, and it's just...Magic."
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Roan Parrish's writing, and she's easily kept the magic going with her first M/F book (a spinoff from her MM series).
This is a hopeful book about two people falling in love. It's about smoothing out your edges, without losing your shape.
There's no drama, no miscommunication...just an honest look at what happens when you take that scary leap of putting yourself out there, letting someone else see all of your shit, and finding that person who wants you to walk tall beside them.
We were learning each other in small, manageable pieces - mapping each new inch of terrain slowly, to see how far into each other's territory we could venture.
After finishing this book, there are three things I know for certain:
(1) I wanna be friends with Ginger and talk about stupid things while we guzzle large quantities of coffee. Not only was she awesome, but there were these little nuggets of insecurity that were so damn relatable I had to pause and take a deep breath...
...Fear that someday I'd get so lonely I'd compromise in ways I didn't want to. Fear that I'd be so afraid of compromising when I shouldn't that I'd refuse to compromise when I should.
(2) I really want a hug from Christopher. They sound like a glorious cocoon of comfort and joy. And I'm pretty sure they can solve the world's problems. But even if he didn't want to hug me, I'd be okay just being in his warm, kind, and easy company.
He had a fantastic laugh - loud and rich and from the belly, and it terminated in a kind of chuckle, like he wasn't quite ready to stop yet. It was the kind of laugh that made you feel lucky that you said something he thought was funny.
(3) I will read anything that Roan Parrish writes.
What if, with Christopher, I could burn the world down when I needed to, and he could extinguish a spot for us in the center of it, carve out a safe place for us while the fire raged outside.
I can't wait to see where Roan Parrish goes with this series. I hear Jude's (Christopher's brother) story is next...and oh man, I'm gonna have to get my feelers ready for that one!
--------------------------------
Ginger's story!! She's Daniel's BFF from In the Middle of Somewhere. We already got a peek at Ginger and Christopher's relationship in that series and now it's time to get their full story!!
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Merged review:
***4 Stars***
"In cooking, you can swap out one ingredient for another. Sometimes it doesn't change much, like oil for eggs in a cake. Sometimes it changes everything, like salt for sugar. The way I feel about you? It's not like a recipe. I don't want to swap out your moodiness for a smile, or your temper for a laugh. It's like...alchemy or something. The way people come together, and it's just...Magic."
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Roan Parrish's writing, and she's easily kept the magic going with her first M/F book (a spinoff from her MM series).
This is a hopeful book about two people falling in love. It's about smoothing out your edges, without losing your shape.
There's no drama, no miscommunication...just an honest look at what happens when you take that scary leap of putting yourself out there, letting someone else see all of your shit, and finding that person who wants you to walk tall beside them.
We were learning each other in small, manageable pieces - mapping each new inch of terrain slowly, to see how far into each other's territory we could venture.
After finishing this book, there are three things I know for certain:
(1) I wanna be friends with Ginger and talk about stupid things while we guzzle large quantities of coffee. Not only was she awesome, but there were these little nuggets of insecurity that were so damn relatable I had to pause and take a deep breath...
...Fear that someday I'd get so lonely I'd compromise in ways I didn't want to. Fear that I'd be so afraid of compromising when I shouldn't that I'd refuse to compromise when I should.
(2) I really want a hug from Christopher. They sound like a glorious cocoon of comfort and joy. And I'm pretty sure they can solve the world's problems. But even if he didn't want to hug me, I'd be okay just being in his warm, kind, and easy company.
He had a fantastic laugh - loud and rich and from the belly, and it terminated in a kind of chuckle, like he wasn't quite ready to stop yet. It was the kind of laugh that made you feel lucky that you said something he thought was funny.
(3) I will read anything that Roan Parrish writes.
What if, with Christopher, I could burn the world down when I needed to, and he could extinguish a spot for us in the center of it, carve out a safe place for us while the fire raged outside.
I can't wait to see where Roan Parrish goes with this series. I hear Jude's (Christopher's brother) story is next...and oh man, I'm gonna have to get my feelers ready for that one!
--------------------------------
Ginger's story!! She's Daniel's BFF from In the Middle of Somewhere. We already got a peek at Ginger and Christopher's relationship in that series and now it's time to get their full story!!
I don't even know how to put into words how beautiful this story is. How lyr ***4 Stars***
She was a figurine atop a music box come to life.
I don't even know how to put into words how beautiful this story is. How lyrical and hypnotizing Lynn Turner's words are. I know I say this a lot, but I swear I highlighted damn near half the book!
"Dance isn't what I do. It's what I am. It's what I'll be until I can't anymore."
Zack and Mina's chemistry was electric. Their passion for dance, music, the arts...each other...was absolutely palpable while reading.
The dance scenes between Zack and Mina were breathtaking. Lynn Turner created a captivating and evocative movie reel in your mind. I could picture every turn, every spin, every lift, every throw, every sensual caress.
Countless dance sequences where I held my breath and felt my heart skip a beat just imagining what I was reading and letting the emotion of the dance wash over me.
There was nothing lustful in his eyes, only wonder - a desire to be completely attuned with her and the way she moved. It was sensual by nature, in the way it made her feel stripped down to her being - her very existence - and only he could see. It made her feel sexy and fearless...and safe.
"Dancing with you felt...like learning I could fly. Like I didn't know I could fly until that moment, and then you took my hand and said, 'Let's go, petite.' Then, it felt like the sun was at our backs, and the wind was in our hair...and everyone else was watching us from the ground."
Zack and Mina get to know each other through dance. Through unguarded moments of choreography. This book isn't in your face. It slowly evolves...like a blossoming flower. You have to wait for the bloom.
The slow burn is delicious in its torture...but definitely worth the wait.
She tries to hide her feelings sometimes, but when she sleeps, she sighs. I think it's her heart whispering to mine.
But even when they finally get together, Zack and Mina are still hiding and protecting one small piece of themselves. They've already given each other more than they've given anyone else...but they must figure out if they can finally give someone everything...if they can trust the depth of their feelings...and each other.
...something that touched more than skin, delved deeper than shallow layers of tissue and bone - ignited more feeling than any nerve could detect. Something that was powerful enough, if she let it, to take the jagged edges of her soul, and fit them to another that was just as broken. There might be a scar where those edges met, but it was okay, so long as it was healed...right?
I absolutely adored Mina and Zack. They were such richly developed characters. I was so deeply invested in them...in their fears, their dreams...and most importantly, their love.
Unfortunately, I do have to be a downer and say that this book does feel a little too long. There were a few scenes that while wonderfully written, didn't really add anything to the story or character development. And I found myself a bit bored in places in the second half of the book.
Also, the plot twist, in my opinion, felt completely unnecessary and out of place. Everything that comes with the twist brought a different feel and vibe to the story that sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm not really sure why it was included?
But even with the couple of quibbles I have, there's one thing I know for sure....I'm keeping my eye out for Lynn Turner.
With one book, she's got a fan in me. Her rich characters, her storytelling, her evocative imagery...all of it is beautifully crafted to cocoon you in the world she's created. And I can't wait to read more of her books!!
If you're a fan of quiet love stories, the arts (whether it be dance or music or whatever) and a slow burning romance filled with passion, sensuality and love...this is the book for you!
"I love you, with all my heart."
Pulling her close, he tucked her into his warmth as the rain dripped from the flying buttresses overhead. "I love you too, petite," he said into her hair. "Tell me how to love you more, and I will."
***ARC courtesy of author, in exchange for an honest review***
Merged review:
***4 Stars***
She was a figurine atop a music box come to life.
I don't even know how to put into words how beautiful this story is. How lyrical and hypnotizing Lynn Turner's words are. I know I say this a lot, but I swear I highlighted damn near half the book!
"Dance isn't what I do. It's what I am. It's what I'll be until I can't anymore."
Zack and Mina's chemistry was electric. Their passion for dance, music, the arts...each other...was absolutely palpable while reading.
The dance scenes between Zack and Mina were breathtaking. Lynn Turner created a captivating and evocative movie reel in your mind. I could picture every turn, every spin, every lift, every throw, every sensual caress.
Countless dance sequences where I held my breath and felt my heart skip a beat just imagining what I was reading and letting the emotion of the dance wash over me.
There was nothing lustful in his eyes, only wonder - a desire to be completely attuned with her and the way she moved. It was sensual by nature, in the way it made her feel stripped down to her being - her very existence - and only he could see. It made her feel sexy and fearless...and safe.
"Dancing with you felt...like learning I could fly. Like I didn't know I could fly until that moment, and then you took my hand and said, 'Let's go, petite.' Then, it felt like the sun was at our backs, and the wind was in our hair...and everyone else was watching us from the ground."
Zack and Mina get to know each other through dance. Through unguarded moments of choreography. This book isn't in your face. It slowly evolves...like a blossoming flower. You have to wait for the bloom.
The slow burn is delicious in its torture...but definitely worth the wait.
She tries to hide her feelings sometimes, but when she sleeps, she sighs. I think it's her heart whispering to mine.
But even when they finally get together, Zack and Mina are still hiding and protecting one small piece of themselves. They've already given each other more than they've given anyone else...but they must figure out if they can finally give someone everything...if they can trust the depth of their feelings...and each other.
...something that touched more than skin, delved deeper than shallow layers of tissue and bone - ignited more feeling than any nerve could detect. Something that was powerful enough, if she let it, to take the jagged edges of her soul, and fit them to another that was just as broken. There might be a scar where those edges met, but it was okay, so long as it was healed...right?
I absolutely adored Mina and Zack. They were such richly developed characters. I was so deeply invested in them...in their fears, their dreams...and most importantly, their love.
Unfortunately, I do have to be a downer and say that this book does feel a little too long. There were a few scenes that while wonderfully written, didn't really add anything to the story or character development. And I found myself a bit bored in places in the second half of the book.
Also, the plot twist, in my opinion, felt completely unnecessary and out of place. Everything that comes with the twist brought a different feel and vibe to the story that sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm not really sure why it was included?
But even with the couple of quibbles I have, there's one thing I know for sure....I'm keeping my eye out for Lynn Turner.
With one book, she's got a fan in me. Her rich characters, her storytelling, her evocative imagery...all of it is beautifully crafted to cocoon you in the world she's created. And I can't wait to read more of her books!!
If you're a fan of quiet love stories, the arts (whether it be dance or music or whatever) and a slow burning romance filled with passion, sensuality and love...this is the book for you!
"I love you, with all my heart."
Pulling her close, he tucked her into his warmth as the rain dripped from the flying buttresses overhead. "I love you too, petite," he said into her hair. "Tell me how to love you more, and I will."
***ARC courtesy of author, in exchange for an honest review***...more
It's all there in my face as I watch Midas. The determination. The refusal. He didn't overplay his hand, he just didn't realize t
***4 Stars***
It's all there in my face as I watch Midas. The determination. The refusal. He didn't overplay his hand, he just didn't realize that there was another player at the table.
I am 0% mad that I have no idea where this story is going.
"You're not pathetic," he murmurs quietly. "You just haven't found it yet."
"Found what?"
"We all have our edge, Auren. One day, you're going to find where yours is . . . You're going to find out just how far you can be pushed until you're tipped over. And when that happens, when you find your edge, just promise me one thing."
My voice comes out like a croak, a single tear dashing down. "What?"
"Don't fall." Time stands still as he leans in and places a kiss on my temple, lips turning to whisper into my ear. "Fly."
I should've known better . . . If I could go back, I'd shake myself. I clipped my own wings.
This is 100% a set up book. Rav ***3.5 Stars***
I should've known better . . . If I could go back, I'd shake myself. I clipped my own wings.
This is 100% a set up book. Raven Kennedy is laying the foundation, brick by brick.
Do I know what we're building? Not even a little bit.
Am I intrigued? You bet. I can't wait to see Auren's character growth because this is a badass, strong bitch just waiting to be let loose on the world....more
Oh this was soooo good! A second chance, friends to lovers romance between the mayor's son who's now a decorated Navy SEAL, and the gi ***4.25 Stars***
Oh this was soooo good! A second chance, friends to lovers romance between the mayor's son who's now a decorated Navy SEAL, and the girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's back to coach the high school's basketball team after a very successful pro-basketball career.
What did I love about this book the most? THE PINING!! Oh the pining was delicious.
Jamie's loved Charlie since high school and now that they're all grown up, he's come back to town to finally take his chance and fight for the woman he loves.
"I want you always, forever, in my bed, in my life, in my heart. I will never stop wanting you. I accepted that a long time ago."
Charlie has always had feelings for Jamie, the boy who came down to the other side of town to play some one-on-one basketball with her on the dingy court between their houses. Charlie grew up watching her mom depend on men for all her needs, including her self-worth, and she refused to turn into that...so she kept Jamie at a distance. But seeing him again after so long...
She wanted. She wanted with the desperation of the girl she'd been, and with the knowledge and passion of the woman she'd become.
But those fears still linger. She looks at her mom and sees everything she doesn't want to be. She's worked so hard to make something of herself. But, Jamie has always had a piece of her heart...and now being around him again, he's slowly taking more and more.
"Charlie. Look at me."
Her heart climbed into her throat as she obeyed, swamped with swirling emotion. Desire. Vulnerability. Fear. Joy. She looked at him, both desperately afraid he would see what she felt, understand it, and just as desperately afraid he wouldn't.
For only being novella length, this book packed a punch....both emotionally and erotically. Anne Calhoun can write some erotically charged sex scenes that are equal parts passion and intimacy. Jamie and Charlie set my kindle on fire.
The only disappointment I have is the ending. It's a very tentative HFN. Do I feel like these two will stay together? Yes. Do I feel like it won't be easy? Yes. With Jamie still being on active duty, their future is uncertain and the long distance will be tough.
I wish the book would have ended with at least a little bit of a concrete plan for these two. Dropping the mic on just the promise of giving their relationship a shot feels so incomplete.
I haven't seen who the MC's are later in the series, but I'm hoping that Jamie's brother (the town cop) gets a book! I really liked him....and I'm also hoping we'd get a glimpse of Jamie and Charlie in there too.
Merged review:
***4.25 Stars***
Oh this was soooo good! A second chance, friends to lovers romance between the mayor's son who's now a decorated Navy SEAL, and the girl from the wrong side of the tracks who's back to coach the high school's basketball team after a very successful pro-basketball career.
What did I love about this book the most? THE PINING!! Oh the pining was delicious.
Jamie's loved Charlie since high school and now that they're all grown up, he's come back to town to finally take his chance and fight for the woman he loves.
"I want you always, forever, in my bed, in my life, in my heart. I will never stop wanting you. I accepted that a long time ago."
Charlie has always had feelings for Jamie, the boy who came down to the other side of town to play some one-on-one basketball with her on the dingy court between their houses. Charlie grew up watching her mom depend on men for all her needs, including her self-worth, and she refused to turn into that...so she kept Jamie at a distance. But seeing him again after so long...
She wanted. She wanted with the desperation of the girl she'd been, and with the knowledge and passion of the woman she'd become.
But those fears still linger. She looks at her mom and sees everything she doesn't want to be. She's worked so hard to make something of herself. But, Jamie has always had a piece of her heart...and now being around him again, he's slowly taking more and more.
"Charlie. Look at me."
Her heart climbed into her throat as she obeyed, swamped with swirling emotion. Desire. Vulnerability. Fear. Joy. She looked at him, both desperately afraid he would see what she felt, understand it, and just as desperately afraid he wouldn't.
For only being novella length, this book packed a punch....both emotionally and erotically. Anne Calhoun can write some erotically charged sex scenes that are equal parts passion and intimacy. Jamie and Charlie set my kindle on fire.
The only disappointment I have is the ending. It's a very tentative HFN. Do I feel like these two will stay together? Yes. Do I feel like it won't be easy? Yes. With Jamie still being on active duty, their future is uncertain and the long distance will be tough.
I wish the book would have ended with at least a little bit of a concrete plan for these two. Dropping the mic on just the promise of giving their relationship a shot feels so incomplete.
I haven't seen who the MC's are later in the series, but I'm hoping that Jamie's brother (the town cop) gets a book! I really liked him....and I'm also hoping we'd get a glimpse of Jamie and Charlie in there too....more
Top 5 things that bum me out as a reader is an underwhelming finale to a series. While I did enjoy this, I feel like there was some pa ***3.75 Stars***
Top 5 things that bum me out as a reader is an underwhelming finale to a series. While I did enjoy this, I feel like there was some pacing issues and too many scenes that felt like filler.
I think books 3 & 4 could have been combined and the plot tightened up with a critical eye to focusing on what really matters in the moment and where the greatest stakes are.
This book has some twists and turns, some I liked and some I didn't, and what could have been a monumental moment that was building over the course of the series ended up being a reveal that fizzled within a couple of paragraphs. (view spoiler)[ I wanted Audra's entrance with the women warriors to be grand and epic! I wanted them to have ample screen time to show their badassery and why Thea admired them so much. Instead it was a build up, they arrived, a paragraph of "they kicked ass" and they were gone. (hide spoiler)] Such a missed opportunity!
But at the end of the day, I enjoyed this ride. Helen Scheuerer nailed it when it comes to creating an ensemble of characters that you get invested in and care about. I'm all about an amazing found family.
And the little seeds that were planted about where the spin-off series is going . . . .
"When I stand against the gods at the end of my days," he told her fiercely, "I will regret nothing. Not the lies I've told, nor the lives I've claimed or the rivers of blood I've spilt. I do not regret a single moment, because every one of them led me to you."
I cannot wait to see how this all ends! THOSE LAST 50 PAGES!!!!
This is my 5th book by Carissa Broadbent and though I've enjoyed them all, I've struggled in every single one of t ***4.25 Stars***
More of this please.
This is my 5th book by Carissa Broadbent and though I've enjoyed them all, I've struggled in every single one of them with her pacing. She's quickly becoming one of my favorite fantasy romance authors, but in my opinion, pacing is the weakest aspect of her storytelling . . . but not here. This felt fully developed and packed with emotion, world building, romance, and so much more in a perfectly paced less than 200 pages novella that felt like every chapter was crafted with intention.
This book was not what I expected in the best possible ***4.75 Stars***
"I am the rock against which the surf crashes."
I am a weeping mess.
This book was not what I expected in the best possible way. I knew there'd be angst, but damn did I not expect so many tears when it came to Nesta's journey of healing.
I loved Nesta before, but I LOVE Nesta now.
As hard as she fought for the happiness she now has, you just know she'll fight even harder with every ounce of strength and fire she has to keep it. For herself, and for all those she loves.
And damn do I bow down to SJM for her found family storytelling. I thought the Inner Circle was the pinnacle, but Ms. Sarah Janet said "Wait, I've got more to give you."
"If you seek power in a world of men and monsters, there is nothing more powerful than knowledge and the ability to wield it."
***4.5 Stars***
"If you seek power in a world of men and monsters, there is nothing more powerful than knowledge and the ability to wield it."
This gave me all the GI Jane vibes in a fantasy setting with monsters and magic and a slow burn romance.
There’s some serious potential of going on my list of favorite series!
"A true man won't cut you down as you fight your battles, nor will he fight them for you. A true man will help sharpen your sword, guard your back and fight at your side, in the face of whatever darkness comes."
You can't be afraid of the dark when you're the monster lurking in the shadows.
I love me a strong and badass leading lady! ***3.75 Stars***
You can't be afraid of the dark when you're the monster lurking in the shadows.
I love me a strong and badass leading lady! Hello female assassin!
I could have done without the convoluted King of the Undersea storyline that started around the halfway point (it was weird and felt slapped together), but this was still a fast-paced and action-packed read that I had a hard time putting down.
IMO, this would have been so much better as a simple rescue mission storyline with a romance. Sometimes less is more.
But overall I really enjoyed the book and being back in this world . . . and it seems to me that we may be back again some day....more
"You do not fear. You do not falter. You do not yield."
I'm a sucker for a big speech before battle.
Did I read this entire ***4.25 Stars***
"You do not fear. You do not falter. You do not yield."
I'm a sucker for a big speech before battle.
Did I read this entire series in less than a week. Yep, I sure did.
I now understand the love for this series. These characters are pretty unforgettable.
As much as a book with mates is my bat signal, nothing turns my heart to mush like a found family. And this one is one of my favorites.
Also, what seems to be an unpopular opinion, but I really like Nesta. And I can't wait to read her book. She has a lot she needs to sift through. Fae therapy, perhaps? From one cold-hearted bitch to another . . . I get you, girl....more
Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read**
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